Bouancy apparatus system integrated with a rapid release emergency disconnect system

ABSTRACT

In various embodiments, fluid conduits such as high pressure hoses deployed in-between two sea-fairing vessels may be released during an emergency by using a rapid release emergency disconnect system as described herein, where the rapid release emergency disconnect system may engage with a hanger such as an industry standard frac hanger and be used in-line with fluid conduits such as high-pressure lines. Various skid embodiments are described which can be configured to interface with one or more of the described rapid release emergency disconnect systems.

RELATION TO OTHER APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.61/883,916 filed Sep. 27, 2013 and U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 61/892,291 filed Oct. 17, 2013.

BACKGROUND

Current quick release systems do not interface to a standard frachanger, cannot open at extreme pressure, and do not contain anintegrated floatation system. Additionally, should separation occur,current quick release systems must return to the dock to re-connect afluid conduit such as a flex-hose.

Moreover, current hydraulic skids just provide hydraulic pressure, andare either “on” or “off”, similar to a water pump, and are not asflexible when interfacing with quick release systems.

FIGURES

Various figures are included herein which illustrate aspects ofembodiments of the disclosed inventions.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view in partial perspective of two vessels andinterconnected fluid conduits;

FIG. 2 is a view in partial perspective of an exemplary embodiment of afirst embodiment of an emergency quick disconnect system;

FIGS. 3 and 4 are exploded views in partial perspective of the exemplaryembodiment of the first embodiment of an emergency quick disconnectsystem;

FIG. 5 is a view in partial perspective of an exemplary embodiment of asecond embodiment of an emergency quick disconnect system;

FIGS. 6 and 7 are exploded views in partial perspective of the exemplaryembodiment of the second embodiment of an emergency quick disconnectsystem;

FIG. 8 is a view in partial perspective of an exemplary embodiment of athird embodiment of an emergency quick disconnect system;

FIG. 9 is a view in partial perspective of an exemplary embodiment ofthe third embodiment of an emergency quick disconnect system;

FIG. 10 is an exploded view in partial perspective of the exemplaryembodiment of the third embodiment of an emergency quick disconnectsystem;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view in partial perspective of theexemplary embodiment of the third embodiment of an emergency quickdisconnect system;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view in partial perspective of an upperportion of the exemplary embodiment of the third embodiment of anemergency quick disconnect system;

FIGS. 12A and 12B are a cross-sectional view in partial perspective ofthe upper portion of the exemplary embodiment of the third embodiment ofan emergency quick disconnect system;

FIG. 13A is a cross-sectional view in partial perspective of the upperportion of the exemplary embodiment of the third embodiment of anemergency quick disconnect system shown in a closed position and FIG.13B is a cross-sectional view in partial perspective of the upperportion of the exemplary embodiment of the third embodiment of anemergency quick disconnect system shown in an open position;

FIG. 14 is a view in partial perspective of a first exemplary flotationassembly;

FIG. 15 is a view in partial perspective of a second exemplary flotationassembly;

FIG. 16 is an exploded view in partial perspective of a component of thesecond exemplary flotation assembly;

FIG. 17 is a schematic view of a first exemplary skid assembly;

FIG. 18 is a schematic view of a second exemplary skid assembly;

FIG. 19 is a schematic view of a third exemplary skid assembly;

FIG. 20 is a view in partial perspective with an exploded view of anexemplary emergency quick disconnect system and a vessel;

FIG. 21 is a flowchart of an exemplary general method of deploying anexemplary emergency quick disconnect system;

FIGS. 22A-24B are views in partial perspective of deployment of twoexemplary emergency quick disconnect systems; and

FIGS. 25-27 are views in partial perspective of an exemplary emergencyquick disconnect system being engaged to disconnect.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Referring generally to FIG. 1, it is often desirable to deploy fluidconduits such as high pressure hoses from vessel 500 including fluidconduits connected in-between two sea-fairing vessels 500 such asvessels 501 and 502. Generally vessel 500 comprises hanger 510 which istypically an industry standard frac hanger. In various embodiments,rapid release emergency quick disconnect system 100 (or otherembodiments described herein below) may engage with such a hanger and beused in-line with fluid conduits such as high-pressure. If “drift”occurs where such a high-pressure lines exists connecting twosea-fairing vessels such as vessel 501 and vessel 502, e.g. one of thevessels 500 begins to move away from the other, the high-pressure lineconnecting the two will experience extremely high tensions, resulting inpotentially catastrophic results such as loss of life and/or vesseldamages. Although this is an example of a use of the disconnectembodiments described herein, one of ordinary skill in these arts willunderstand that there are many other such uses of the disconnectembodiments described herein.

In general, the various system embodiments described herein are capableof closing off the fluid pressure in the fluid conduits, including atline pressures up to 15,000 psi, and separating them into two separatelines in a short time, typically less than 8 seconds.

Referring to FIGS. 2-4 and specifically to FIG. 2, in a firstembodiment, emergency quick disconnect system 100 comprises connector120; connector interface 110 (FIG. 3) configured to receive connector120; and drop away assembly 101 (FIG. 4). A suitable connector 120 forthis embodiment would be an M5 connector manufactured by OceaneeringInternational, Inc. of Houston, Tex.

Connector 120 is generally configured to interface with hose 50 whichmay be a co-flex hose, a high pressure hose, or the like. Connector 120typically comprises first fluid interface 121 and second fluid interface122 in fluid communication with first fluid interface 121, where atleast one of first fluid interface 121 and fourth fluid interface 142comprises an interface configured to interface with hose 50. Supportseal 153 may be disposed intermediate connector 120 and verticalstructural interface 150.

Hanger 510 may be an industry standard frac-hanger. Additionally, hanger510 may further comprise one or more padeyes 503. In certainembodiments, hanger 510 further comprises one or more alignment pins 505configured to allow connector 120 to move in a predetermined directionwhen opening second fluid interface 122.

Connector interface 110 (FIG. 3) is typically configured to be acceptedinto hanger 510, such as removably accepted into hanger 510, and supportconnector 120 when connector interface 110 is received into hanger 510.

Connector interface 110 typically further comprises refraction fork 113(FIG. 2) and retraction fork actuator 115 (FIG. 2) operatively incommunication with retraction fork 113. Retraction fork actuator 115 maycomprise a pneumatic cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder configured, or thelike, or a combination thereof, such as cylinder 651 (FIG. 18) and beconfigured to selectively move retraction fork 113 in a predeterminedplane.

Referring more specifically to FIG. 4, in embodiments, drop awayassembly 101 comprises valve 140 typically configured to be in fluidcommunication with fluid conduit 50 which may be a co-flex hose, a highpressure hose, or the like.

Valve 140 typically comprises third fluid interface 141 and fourth fluidinterface 142 in fluid communication with third fluid interface 141.Valve 140 is typically configured to stop flow of a fluid in-betweenthird fluid interface 141 and fourth fluid interface 142 and is furthertypically disposed downstream with respect to and in fluid communicationwith connector 120. Valve seal 154 may be present and disposedintermediate vertical structural interface 150 and valve 140.Additionally, hose end seal 173 may be disposed intermediate hose end130 and valve 140.

In certain embodiments, actuator 180 is operatively connected to valve140 and may comprise a check valve (not shown in the figures) configuredto automatically close at a pre-defined delta-pressure and/or aselectively activated ball valve (not shown in the figures). Thesecommon valve elements will be familiar to those of ordinary skill inthese arts. If a ball valve is present, it may comprise aspring-actuated, normally closed ball valve and may be remotelyoperated, manually operated, or the like, or a combination thereof.

Drop away assembly 101 further generally comprises vertical structuralinterface 150, comprising support bucket 151, which is configured to beremovably connected to hanger 510, and structural interface 152configured to be received into and be supported by hanger 510.

In certain embodiments drop away assembly 101 further comprises hose endconnector 130 connected to valve 140. In these embodiments, seal 173 maybe disposed intermediate hose end connector 130 and valve 140.

In these configurations, connector 120 and/or valve 140 are typicallyfurther configured to allow a fluid conduit, e.g. 50, to be connectedand sealed while offshore. Moreover, connector 120 and/or valve 140 mayfurther be configured to seal their respective fluid connections atfluid pressures of up to around 15,000 psi of internal fluid.

In a second embodiment, referring now generally to FIGS. 6-7 and morespecifically to FIG. 6, emergency quick disconnect system 200 comprisescheck valve 240, comprising first fluid interface 241 and second fluidinterface 242 in fluid communication with first fluid interface 241;connector 220 disposed downstream of, connected to, and in fluidcommunication with check valve 240, where connector 220 comprises thirdfluid interface 221 and fourth fluid interface 222 in fluidcommunication with third fluid interface 221; drop away assembly 202;and connector interface 210.

Check valve 240 is typically configured to stop flow of a fluid betweenfirst fluid interface 241 and second fluid interface 242 when fluidpressure of a fluid present in check valve 240 falls below apredetermined level, e.g. to automatically close at a pre-defineddelta-pressure. First fluid interface 241 is typically configured tointerface with a high pressure hose 50 such as a co-flex hose.

Connector 220 may further comprise one or more padeyes (212). A suitableconnector 220 for this embodiment would be a Graylock connectormanufactured by Oceaneering International, Inc. of Houston, Tex.

Connector 220 may further comprise top hub 260 configured to remain inposition after drop away assembly 202 falls away and/or bottom hub 262configured to fall away with drop away assembly 202.

Drop away assembly 202 typically comprises control valve 270 and hoseend connector 230 connected to control valve 270. Control valve 270 isgenerally in fluid communication with connector 220 and configured to bein fluid communication with fluid conduit 50. Control valve 270 maycomprise a selectively activated ball valve which may further comprise aspring-actuated, normally closed ball valve. Additionally, theselectively activated ball valve may be remotely operated and/ormanually operated. In embodiments, control valve 270 is configured tointerface with a high pressure hose 50 such as a co-flex hose.

Connector interface 210 is typically configured to receive connector 220and configured to be removably accepted into hanger 510 and supportconnector 220 and drop away assembly 202 when connector interface 210 isreceived into hanger 510. Hanger 510 may comprise an industry standardfrac hanger.

Referring in addition to FIG. 7, in certain embodiments, control valve270 may further comprise drive 280 operative coupled to actuator 282which may be a hydraulic motor. Actuator 282 is configured to change aposition of drive 280 and selectively open and close control valve 270.Drive 280, which may comprise a screw drive, is typically coupled to atleast one of first clamp 231 a or second clamp 231 b which areconfigured to open, thereby allowing drop away assembly 202 to bereleased and fall away.

In certain embodiments, emergency quick disconnect system 200 furthercomprises first clamp 231 a connected to connector 220; second clamp 231b connected to first clamp 231 a; and seal ring 232 disposedintermediate first clamp 231 a and second clamp 232 b.

In any of these embodiments, connector 220 and/or check valve 240 may beconfigured to allow fluid conduit 50 to be connected and sealed whileoffshore. Further, in any of these embodiments connector 220, checkvalve 240, and control valve 270 may be configured to seal a fluidconnection up to around 15,000 psi of internal fluid.

In a third embodiment, referring now generally to FIGS. 8-13 b and morespecifically to FIG. 8, emergency quick disconnect system 300 comprisesconnector 320 and drop away assembly 302. At least one of connector 320and valve 340 are configured to allow a fluid conduit such as hose 50 tobe connected and sealed while offshore and further configured to seal afluid connection up to around 15,000 psi of internal fluid.

Connector 320 typically comprises first fluid interface 321 and secondfluid interface 322 in fluid communication with first fluid interface321. A suitable connector 320 for this embodiment would be an OPG/RAMconnector manufactured by Oceaneering International, Inc. of Houston,Tex.

Drop away assembly 302 comprises hub and clamp interface 370; valve 340connected to the hub and clamp interface 370 and disposed upstream fromand in fluid communication with connector 320; connector interface 310configured to be removably accepted into hanger 510 and supportconnector 320 and valve 340 when connector interface 310 is receivedinto the hanger.

Hub and clamp interface 370 generally comprises first hub 371, secondhub 374, and hub clamp 372 disposed intermediate first hub 371 andsecond hub 374. In certain embodiments hub and clamp interface 370further comprises seal 373.

Valve 340 typically comprises third fluid interface 341 and fourth fluidinterface 342 in fluid communication with third fluid interface 341,where valve 340 is typically configured to stop flow of a fluid betweenthe third fluid interface and the fourth fluid interface. As those ofordinary skill in these arts will understand, valve 340 may comprise acheck valve which may be configured to automatically close at apre-defined delta-pressure, and/or a selectively activated ball valvewhere the activation may be remotely or manually operated.

In certain embodiments, valve 340 may further comprise valve actuator380 which may be configured to be operated by a remotely operatedvehicle, pneumatic pressure, mechanical springs, or the like, or acombination thereof.

Connector interface 310 typically comprises clamp seal 312, comprisingfirst clamp section 312 a and second clamp section 312 b where clamp 312is configured to selectively compress seal 361 against connector 320where seal 361 may be one or more of an O-ring, a gasket, and/or a sealring. Connector interface 320 is typically configured to interface to astandard frac hanger design.

Connector interface 310 typically further comprises one or moreretraction pins 313 configured to engage hub and clamp interface 370 andone or more actuators 311 configured to selectively compress and sealclamp 312 against connector 320 and decompress and release clamp seal312.

Actuator 311 may comprise one or more of a hydraulic actuator, apneumatic actuator, and/or a screw-drive.

Hose end connector 330 may be present and connected to hub and clampinterface 370. Additionally, hose clamp 330 may be connected to hub andclamp interface 370 and configured to receive fluid conduit 50therethrough.

In the various configurations of this embodiment, first fluid interface321 and/or fourth fluid interface 342 may be configured to connect to ahigh-pressure hose 50 such as a co-flex hose.

Referring now to FIGS. 14 and 15, in most of these configurationsemergency quick disconnect system 400 comprises connector 20 comprisingfirst fluid interface 21 and second fluid interface 22 in fluidcommunication with first fluid interface 20; connector interface 10,configured to receive connector 20 and configured to be removablyaccepted into hanger 510 and support connector 20 when connectorinterface 21 is received into hanger 510; drop away assembly 2; andbuoyancy apparatus 60 connected to connector 20, where buoyancyapparatus 60 comprises a sufficient buoyancy to support the weight ofdrop away assembly 2.

Generally, drop away assembly 2 comprises valve 40 which comprises thirdfluid interface 41 and fourth fluid interface 42 in fluid communicationwith third fluid interface 41. Valve 40 is configured to stop flow of afluid in-between third fluid interface 41 and fourth fluid interface 40.Valve 40 is further configured to be in fluid communication with fluidconduit 50.

Emergency quick disconnect system 4 may further comprise hose endconnector 30 connected to valve 40. In these embodiments, buoyancyapparatus 60 is typically connected to hose end connector 30.

Buoyancy apparatus 60 generally comprises one or more buoy riggings 63connected to hose end connector 30 and one or more buoys 62 connected tobuoy rigging 63. Generally, one buoy 62 will be connected to one buoyrigging 63. Each buoy 62 may comprise or be otherwise configured as afloat, typically a buoyant float configured to contain sufficientbuoyancy to support the weight of the drop away assembly 2 and theentire section of hose 50 to which buoy 62 is connected.

Although described with emergency quick disconnect system 400, thisembodiment of buoyancy apparatus 60 with buoys 62 may be used with anyof the embodiments described herein above, i.e. emergency quickdisconnect system 100 (FIG. 1), emergency quick disconnect system 200(FIG. 5), and emergency quick disconnect system 300 (FIG. 8).

Referring more specifically to FIG. 15, in an alternative configuration,emergency quick disconnect system 400 comprises connector 20, comprisinga first fluid interface 21 and second fluid interface 22 in fluidcommunication with first fluid interface 21; connector interface 10,configured to receive connector 20 and to be removably accepted intohanger 510 and support connector 20 when connector interface 21 isreceived into hanger 510; drop away assembly 2; fluid conduit 50connected to drop away assembly 2; and one or more buoys 64 configuredto be disposed about fluid conduit 50. In these embodiments, buoy 64comprises sufficient buoyancy to support the weight of drop awayassembly 2 and a section of fluid conduit 50 to which drop away assembly2 is connected.

Drop away assembly 2 may generally comprise valve 40 which comprisesthird fluid interface 41 and fourth fluid interface 42 in fluidcommunication with third fluid interface 41, valve 40 being configuredto stop flow of a fluid in-between third fluid interface 41 and fourthfluid interface 42. Valve 40 is typically disposed downstream withrespect to and in fluid communication with connector 20 and furtherconfigured to be in fluid communication with fluid conduit 50.

Referring additionally to FIG. 16, in certain configurations, buoy 64may comprise first buoy section 64 a configured to at least partiallyreceive fluid conduit 50 within an inner portion of first buoy section64 a and second buoy section 64 b configured to at least partiallyreceive fluid conduit 50 within an inner portion of second buoy section64 b, second buoy section 64 b further configured to cooperativelyengage first buoy section 64 a about the fluid conduit. First buoysection 64 a may be secured or releasably fastened to second buoysection 64 b using any appropriate fastener 65.

Although described with emergency quick disconnect system 400, thisembodiment of buoyancy apparatus 60 with buoys 64 may be used with anyof the embodiments described herein above, i.e. emergency quickdisconnect system 100 (FIG. 2), emergency quick disconnect system 200(FIG. 5), and emergency quick disconnect system 300 (FIG. 8).

Referring generally to FIGS. 17-19, any of the hydraulic skids describedbelow, i.e. skids 601 (FIG. 17), 602 (FIG. 18), and 603 (FIG. 19), iscapable of being remotely actuated from the bridge and/or deck of vessel500 (FIG. 1).

Referring specifically now to FIG. 17, hydraulic skid 601 may be usedwith, or may otherwise be part of, any of the emergency quick disconnectsystem embodiments described herein above. Generally, hydraulic skid 601comprises of a series of hydraulic accumulators 650 that are pressurizedwith hydraulic fluid to a predetermined pressure such that when onevalue, e.g. valve 621, of a plurality of other valves are opened, eithermanually or remotely, and a series of actions take place in sequencethat perform one or more predetermined functions, e.g. close a valve,open a connector, release a bottom section of pipe, and the like, or acombination thereof.

In a first embodiment hydraulic skid 601 comprises directional controlvalve 610; first valve 611 in fluid communication with fluid input 610a; hydraulic motor 630 in fluid communication with fluid valve 611,where hydraulic motor 630 typically further comprises fluid feedback632; fluid reservoir 672 in fluid communication with hydraulic motor630; quick connect 631 disposed intermediate and in fluid communicationwith hydraulic motor 630 and fluid reservoir 672; hydraulic power unit(HPU) 680 in fluid communication with fluid reservoir 672; intensifier640 in fluid communication with HPU 680; second valve 641 in fluidcommunication with intensifier 640, where second valve 641 may furthercomprise a lock-out; pressure regulator valve 613 in fluid communicationwith second valve 641 and directional control valve 610; valve 620 influid communication with pressure regulator valve 613 and hydraulicmotor 630; third valve 642 in fluid communication with second valve 641,where third valve 642 typically comprises a lock-out; one or morehydraulic accumulators 650 in fluid communication with third valve 642;and second fluid tank 660 in fluid communication with hydraulicaccumulator 650.

Second fluid tank 660 typically further comprises dry gauge 661 in fluidcommunication with hydraulic accumulator 650; fluid tank 663; fourthvalve 662 disposed intermediate and in fluid communication withhydraulic accumulator 650 and fluid tank 663; pressure relief valve 665;fifth valve 664 disposed intermediate and in fluid communication withfluid tank 663 and pressure relief valve 665; and pressure vent 666 influid communication with pressure relief valve 665. Fourth valve 662 maycomprise a lock-out and be configured as a fluid isolation valve withrespect to fluid tank 663. Fifth valve 664 may comprise a lock-out andalso be configured as a fluid isolation valve with respect to fluid tank663. Pressure vent 666 is typically configured to vent fluid into thesurrounding atmosphere.

Directional control valve 610 may further comprise first fluid input 610a in fluid communication with first valve 611 and second fluid input 610b in fluid communication with fluid reservoir 672. Second fluid input610 b may also be in fluid communication with hydraulic motor 630.

HPU 680 typically comprises adjustable pressure relief valve 681. Incertain embodiments, motor 682 may be connected to HPU 680. Pressurerelief valve 684 may also be connected to HPU 680.

Valve 620 is typically electrically actuated and may further comprise anon-proportioning valve.

Intensifier 640 is typically a multi stage intensifier, e.g. a threestage intensifier.

Hydraulic skid 601 may further comprise sixth valve 612 disposedintermediate and in fluid communication with second fluid input 610 band hydraulic motor 630. In typical embodiments sixth valve 612comprises a ball valve.

Hydraulic skid 601 may further comprise motor quick release 614 disposedintermediate and in fluid communication with first valve 611 and valve620, where motor quick release 614 is in further fluid communicationwith hydraulic motor 630.

Each of first valve 611, second valve 641, third valve 641, fourth valve662, and fifth valve 664 may comprise a ball valve.

Fluid tank 663 is typically configured as a tank for containing a gassuch as nitrogen at a pressure of around 3000 psi. Pressure regulatorvalve 613 is typically configured to regulate pressures of from around3000 to 5000 psi.

In embodiments, hydraulic accumulator 650 comprises a plurality ofhydraulic, e.g. three accumulators 650 a, 650 b, 650 c (FIG. 17) or fouraccumulators 650 a, 650 b, 650 c, 650 d (FIGS. 18-19), which may bearranged in series, parallel (as illustrated), or a combination thereof.Each hydraulic accumulator 650 is typically configured to accumulatearound 15 gallons of fluid.

Referring now to FIGS. 18 and 19, in alternative embodiments hydraulicskid 601, 602 (FIG. 18), and 603 (FIG. 19) may be similar to theembodiment described above but may also comprise hose cutter 652.

Referring specifically to FIG. 18, similar to skid 601 (FIG. 17),hydraulic skid 602 may be used with, or may otherwise be part of, theemergency quick disconnect system embodiment such as emergency quickdisconnect system 100 described herein above in FIGS. 2-4. Whilecounterbalance valves and sequence valves may be used to accomplish thesame thing, due to differences in manufacturing process sequence valveswill leak through their main line at a rate that is several orders ofmagnitude greater than the leak rate of counterbalance valves. All threecounterbalance valves in the hydraulic circuit serve to gate offpressure access to the sequence valve pilot lines until the disconnectsequence is initiated.

Referring to FIG. 18, auxiliary directional valve 610, typically adirectional valve, allows skid 602 to provide bi-directional hydraulicpower to external tools as needed, such as by using ports 610 a and 610b. Piper ball valve (PBV) 620 is typically a primary fluid accesscontrol between a field service vessel 501 (FIG. 1), e.g. a vesselreceiving the well stim fluids, and chemical tanking vessel 502 (FIG.1). Piper ball valve (PBV) 620 is held open by hydraulic power and uponloss of hydraulic power will fail closed, stopping fluid flow betweenvessels 501 and 502.

Solenoid driven cartridge valve 622 is typically an electrically drivenspring return cartridge valve; as it is well within the knowledge of oneof ordinary skill in the valve arts, the solenoid component of solenoiddriven cartridge valve 622 is not necessary for the understanding of theinventions and is not shown in the figures. Normally, when notenergized, solenoid driven cartridge valve 622 is closed, i.e. flow isblocked via a check valve. When the solenoid of solenoid drivencartridge valve 622 is energized, and only for so long as the solenoidis energized, solenoid driven cartridge valve 622 will open and willallow fluid to flow. In certain embodiments, electrical power may beprovided to the solenoid manually such as via one or more push buttonswhich may be present on either or both skid 601 (FIG. 17), skid 602, orskid 603 (FIG. 19) and on the bridge of field service vessel 500 (e.g.vessel 501 in FIG. 1). In certain of these embodiments, such a pushbutton may be configured to remain engaged once pressed, thus ensuringthat electrical power will continue to energize the solenoid of solenoiddriven cartridge valve 622.

Manual disconnect valve (MDV) 621 is a ball valve located on controlskid 602 and serves as a backup in the event that primary electricallydriven disconnect valve 622 fails to open for any reason. Both MDV 621and an electrically driven disconnect valve such as solenoid drivencartridge valve 622 may be configured in parallel on the same fluidcircuit and can initiate the disconnect sequence independently of eachother.

First sequence valve (SV1) 623 typically is a pilot actuated check valvewhich controls when PBV 620 closes. SV1 623 is a normally closed valvethat allows fluid to flow in one direction only and will only open whena certain minimum pilot pressure is experienced in the pilot line.Typically, the pressure required to open the valve is not an adjustablevalue. The pilot pressure is supplied from primary accumulator bank 650e through either MDV 621 or electrically operated solenoid disconnectvalve 622 upon activation of the disconnect sequence.

Piper ball valve flow control 624 (BV-FLOW) generally is an adjustableflow control valve that allows the rate at which fluid pressure can belost from SV1 623. Adjusting BV-FLOW 624 can adjust how quickly orslowly SV1 623 will close. Fluid circuit 690 is designed to allow fluidto pass through BV-FLOW 624 in one direction only, i.e. from PBV 620through SV1 623 and in to BV-FLOW 624 to pass in to HPU 680, asdescribed below.

In an embodiment, third counterbalance valve 625 (CBV3) may be presentand act as a counterbalance valve that, in conjunction with secondsequence valve 626, controls when, e.g. in sequence, torque tool 123(FIG. 3) unlocks an emergency quick disconnect system such as emergencyquick disconnect system 100 (FIGS. 2-4), allowing bucket 151 (FIG. 3)and drop away assembly 101 (FIG. 4) to fall away from vessel 501(FIG. 1) and severing a physical fluid transfer link such as fluidconduit 50 (FIG. 1). CBV3 625 controls when pilot pressure is sent toSV2 626. CBV3 625 is a normally closed valve, such as to gate pressurefrom SV2 626. Once the disconnect sequence has been started, systempressure from either MDV 621 or solenoid driven cartridge valve 622 willpilot open CBV3 625, allowing pressure from the PBV 620 to pilot closedSV2 626 which is a normally open (fail open) valve. As pressure from PBV620 decreases, pilot pressure passing through CBV3 625 to SV2 626 willalso decrease, allowing SV2 626 to open and to allow system pressureaccess to torque tool 123.

Second sequence valve 626 (SV2) may be present and act as a sequencevalve that gates system pressure access to torque tool 123 (FIG. 3). SV2626, which is a normally open (fail open) valve which initially closesupon activation of the disconnect sequence as described previously,ensures that torque tool 123 will not receive system pressure until PBV620 has closed. As PBV 620 closes, pressure in fluid conduit 690 isdecreasing, e.g. it is being vented to Fluid Reservoir 672 through SV1623. This back pressure is also serving as pilot pressure to SV2 626which is holding SV2 626 closed. Once pilot pressure drops enough toallow SV2 626 to open, system pressure can pass through to torque tool123.

Auxiliary hydraulic supply valve 627 (AHSV) is typically a ball valvethat controls main line system pressure access to auxiliary directionalvalve 610.

Multiple gauges may be present. By way of example and not limitation,main pilot line gauge 628 (P-M) may be present and aid in monitoringpressure within main pilot line 673 where main pilot line 673 receivessystem pressure upon activation of the disconnect sequence througheither MDV 621 or solenoid driven cartridge valve 622 and provides pilotpressure to SV1 623, CBV3 625, CBV1 642, and CBV2 646. Main pressuregauge 629 (MAIN) may be present and act as a gauge that monitorshydraulic pressure in the main line. First accumulator bank gauge 619(A1) acts as a gauge that monitors oil side pressure in firstaccumulator bank 650 e.

Second accumulator supply valve 631 (ASV2) may comprise a ball valvethat controls hydraulic pressure access to the second accumulator bank650 (tanks 650 c and 650 d).

System hydraulic supply valve 632 (SHSV) may comprise a ball valve thatcontrols hydraulic pressure access to the entire system from HPU 680,except for ASV2 631.

First accumulator inline valve 633 (AIV1) may be present and comprise aball valve that controls hydraulic pressure access to the firstaccumulator bank 650 e (tanks 650 a and 650 b).

First nitrogen fill valve bank 634 (NFV1-1) may be a ball valve thatcontrols nitrogen pressure access to the gas side of first accumulatorbank 650 e tank 650 a.

HPU access valve 635 (HPUV) may be present and comprise a ball valvethat gates all hydraulic pressure to the system from HPU tank 683.

Crossover valve 636 (CV) may be present and typically configured as aball valve that controls hydraulic pressure to flow between a firstaccumulator circuit comprising manual valve 621, solenoid drivencartridge valve 622, torque tool 123 (FIG. 3), auxiliary directionalvalve 610, hose cutter 652, and piper ball valve 620, and a secondaccumulator circuit comprising access to retention cylinder 651, and mayfurther allow first accumulator circuit 650 e to access tank 653directly through tank valve 659. As discussed above, retention cylinder651 may be part of retraction fork actuator 115 (FIG. 3).

Secondary accumulator access valve 637 (SAAV1) is typically a ball valvethat controls hydraulic pressure access to an oil side of secondaccumulator bank second tank 650 b.

Second nitrogen fill valve first bank 638 (NFV1-2) is typically a ballvalve that controls nitrogen pressure access to a gas side of secondaccumulator bank 650 tank 650 b.

Nitrogen supply access valve (NSAV) 639 is typically a ball valve thatcontrols nitrogen pressure access from nitrogen reservoir 653.

Piper ball valve pressure access valve (BV) 640 is a ball valve thatcontrols hydraulic pressure access to PBV 620.

First accumulator output valve 641 (AOV1) is typically a ball valve thatgates hydraulic pressure flow from first accumulator bank 650 tanks 650a and 650 b to the system.

First counterbalance valve 642 (CBV1 ) is a counterbalance valve thatgates pilot pressure to fourth sequence valve 645 (SV4) which is anormally closed valve. Pilot pressure to CBV1 is provided through mainpilot line 673 through MDV 621 or solenoid driven cartridge valve 622once the disconnect sequence is activated. Once CBV1 pilots open, itwill allow pressure from first accumulator bank 650 tanks 650 a and 650b to pilot open SV4.

Nitrogen Regulator 643 (REG-N2) is an adjustable regulator valve thatcontrols gas side pressure for all accumulator tanks, e.g. 650 a-650 d.

Linear cylinder valve B 644 (LCVB) is a ball valve that controlspressure access to port LCB 692 on skid 602 where port LCB 692 providespiston side pressure to retention cylinder 651. When the system isarmed, applying positive pressure through LCVB 644 will retractretention cylinder 651 which is supporting bucket 115 (FIG. 3). Onceretention cylinder 651 retracts bucket 115 will fall away along withdrop away assembly 101 (FIG. 4), thereby severing fluid link 50 (FIG. 1)between vessels.

Second counterbalance valve 646 (CBV2) may be present and used toisolate fourth sequence valve 645 from inline pressure to prevent SV4645 from leaking forward and building pressure against port LCB 692which could prematurely extend retention cylinder 115 (FIG. 3) whichwould in turn expose a connector such as connector 120 (FIG. 2) to beloaded, e.g. prematurely, with a predetermined amount of weight. WhenCBV2 646 is piloted open, pressure from second accumulator bank 650 f(tanks 650 c and 650 d) can access fourth sequence valve 645. CBV2 646is piloted by pressure from main pilot line 673 which is supplied withpressure when the disconnect sequence is initiated through either theMDV 621 or solenoid driven cartridge valve 622.

Fourth sequence valve 645 (SV4) is a normally closed (fail closed) valvethat when piloted open will allow pressure access to port LCB 692through LCVB 644. Pilot pressure to SV4 is gated by first counterbalancevalve 642 and inline pressure is gated by second counterbalance valve646. Once the disconnect sequence is started, CBV1 642 will gate openand allow pilot pressure from first accumulator bank 650 e tanks 650 aand 650 b to open SV4 645. At the same time, pilot pressure from mainpilot line 673 will open CBV2 646 and allow inline pressure from secondaccumulator bank 650 f tanks 650 c and 650 d to pass in to SV4 645. CBV1642 and CBV2 646 share a common pilot line.

Second accumulator output valve 647 (AOV2) is typically a ball valvethat gates hydraulic pressure flow from second accumulator bank 650tanks 650 c and 650 d to the system.

First nitrogen fill valve second bank 648 (NFV2-1) is typically a ballvalve that controls nitrogen pressure access to the gas side of secondaccumulator 650 tank 650 c.

Linear cylinder valve A 649 (LCVA) may be present and is typically aball valve that controls pressure access to port LCA 691 which provideshydraulic power to the rod side of retention cylinder 651. Applyingpositive pressure to LCA 691 will cause retention cylinder 651 toretract and slide retention fork assembly 115 (FIG. 3) forward.Retention fork assembly 115 is used to support bucket 151 (FIG. 3) sothat retention fork assembly 115 is in the load path of the suspendeddrop away assembly 101 (FIG. 4) and fluid conduit 50 (FIG. 1). LCVA 649is opened during the setup process and then closed when the system isarmed, trapping rod side pressure between retraction fork actuator 115and third sequence valve 656, which is a pilot activated check valve.When piloted open during the disconnect sequence, third sequence valve656 will allow the rod side pressure to relieve to fluid reservoir 672,thus allowing retention cylinder 651 to expand when the piston side ispressured up.

Second accumulator bank gauge 650 (A2) may be present and aid inmonitoring oil side pressure in second accumulator bank 650.

Third sequence valve 656 (SV3) may be present and will typically be apiloted check valve that when opened will allow relief of rod sidepressure of retention cylinder 651 to fluid reservoir 672. Pilotpressure to SV3 656 is applied when fourth sequence valve 645 and secondcounterbalance valve 646 are opened, allowing pressure to pass fromsecond accumulator bank 650 f tanks 650 c and 650 d.

Fourth pilot gauge 657 (P-4) may be present and aid in monitoring pilotpressure in sequence valve 645. When the disconnect sequence is notbeing performed, increasing pressure here will indicate a leak throughmain line 673 in first counterbalance valve 642.

Second secondary accumulator access valve 658 (SAAV2) may be present andis typically a ball valve that controls pressure access to secondaccumulator bank 650 f tank 650 d.

Second nitrogen fill valve bank 659 (NFV2-2) may be present and istypically a ball valve that controls nitrogen pressure access to the gasside of second accumulator bank 650 f tank 650 d.

Master nitrogen pressure gauge 655 (N2) may be present and is typicallya gauge that shows gas side pressure going in to a given accumulator,e.g. 650 a-650 d.

Haskel pump 671 may be present and is typically an air activated pump(no ignition source) that maintains pressure against retraction forkactuator 115 (FIG. 3). This helps ensure that retraction fork actuator115 remains closed and will not open prematurely. Should retentioncylinder 651 prematurely expand, it would place a connector such asconnector 120 (FIG. 2) in a condition with is loaded prematurely withweight. Haskel pump 671 will maintain a set pressure as governed by howmuch air is supplied to it. Haskel pump air regulator 657 (REG-H) may bepresent and is typically an adjustable regulator that determines whatpressure Haskel pump 671 will maintain. Air diaphragm supply valve 660(ADSV) may be present and is typically a ball valve that controls oilaccess to Haskel pump 671. If present, third sequence valve pilotpressure gauge 658 (P-3) aids in monitoring pressure output from fourthsequence valve 645 which serves as pilot pressure for SV'656. Prematurepressure buildup here would indicate that CBV2 646 is opening due tooverbalance and line pressure is leaking forward through SV4 645. Tankaccess valve 659 (TANK) may be present and is typically a ball valvethat allows direct access to a tank such as fluid reservoir 672 forsecond hydraulic circuit 603 and, if crossover valve 636 is opened, forfirst hydraulic circuit 602 as well.

Referring to FIG. 19, in a further embodiment skid 603 is similar toskid 601 (FIG. 17) and/or skid 602 (FIG. 18) and may be used with, ormay otherwise be part of, emergency quick disconnect system 300 asdescribed herein above in FIGS. 8-13 b. Similar to skids 601 (FIG. 17)and 602, while counterbalance valves and sequence valves accomplish thesame thing, due to differences in manufacturing process sequence valveswill leak through their main line at a rate that is several orders ofmagnitude greater than the leak rate of counterbalance valves. All threecounterbalance valves in second hydraulic circuit 603 serve to gate offpressure access to the sequence valve pilot lines until the disconnectsequence is initiated. However, differences exist. For example, asopposed to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 18, a second accumulatorcircuit used with tanks 650 c and 650 db as illustrated in FIG. 19 maynot be used in this embodiment.

Third counterbalance valve 625 a (CBV3) may be present and act as acounterbalance valve that, in conjunction with second sequence valve626, controls when, e.g. in sequence, cylinder 651, which may be part ofactuator 311 (FIG. 12A), will retract, allowing drop away assembly 302(FIG. 10) to fall away from vessel 501 (FIG. 1) severing a physicalfluid transfer link such as fluid conduit 50 (FIG. 1). CBV3 625 acontrols when pilot pressure is sent to SV2 626. CBV3 625 a is anormally closed valve, such as to gate pressure from SV2 626. Once thedisconnect sequence has been started, system pressure from either MDV621 or solenoid driven cartridge valve 622 will pilot open CBV3 625,allowing pressure from PBV 620 to pilot closed SV2 626 which is anormally open (fail open) valve. As pressure from PBV 620 decreases,pilot pressure passing through CBV3 625 to SV2 (626) will also decrease,allowing SV2 626 to open and to allow system pressure access to retractcylinder 651.

Second sequence valve 626 a (SV2) is similar to second sequence valve626 (FIG. 18) but gates system pressure access to retract cylinder 651.SV2 626 a ensures that cylinder 651 will not receive system pressureuntil PBV 620 has closed. As PBV 620 closes, pressure in the ballvalve's line is decreasing (being vented to fluid reservoir 672 throughSV1 623). This back pressure is also serving as pilot pressure to SV2626 a which is holding the valve closed. Once pilot pressure dropsenough to allow the valve to open, system pressure can pass through tocylinder 651. This valve is a normally open (fail open) valve and willinitially close upon activation of the disconnect sequence as describedpreviously.

Similar to crossover valve 636 (FIG. 18), crossover valve 636 a (CV) maybe present and typically configured as a ball valve that controlshydraulic pressure to flow between a first accumulator circuitcomprising MDV 621, solenoid driven cartridge valve 622, the rod side ofcylinder 651, auxiliary directional valve 610, hose cutter 652, andpiper ball valve 620, and a second accumulator circuit comprising fluidreservoir 672 and retention cylinder 651, and may further allow thefirst accumulator circuit to access fluid reservoir 672 directly throughtank valve 659 (TANK).

Similar to LCVA 649 (FIG. 18), LCVA 649 a may be present and istypically a ball valve that controls pressure access to port LCA 693which provides hydraulic power to extend cylinder 651. Applying positivepressure to LCA 693 will cause cylinder 651 to press closed, maintainingthe fluid connection between vessels 501,502 (FIG. 1). LCVA 649 a isopened during the setup process and then closed when the system isarmed, trapping piston side pressure between cylinder 651 and thirdsequence valve 656 (SV3), which is a pilot activated check valve. Whenpiloted open during the disconnect sequence, SV3 656 will allow thepiston side pressure to relieve fluid reservoir 672, thus allowingcylinder 651 to retract and disconnect.

Similar to SV3 656 (FIG. 18), SV3 656 a may be present and configured asa piloted check valve that when opened will allow piston side pressureof cylinder 651 to be relieved to fluid reservoir 672. Pilot pressure toSV3 656 a is applied when SV2 626 is opened and passes through 661 and644.

Similar to Haskel pump 671 (FIG. 18), Haskel pump 671 a may be presentand is typically an air activated pump (no ignition source) thatmaintains pressure to keep cylinder 651 extended. This helps ensure thatcylinder 651 will not close due to pressure loss.

P-3 658 is similar to P-3 658 above (FIG. 18) and aids in monitoringpressure which should only be rising during activation.

Air diaphragm supply valve (ADSV) 660 may be present and comprise a ballvalve that controls oil access to Haskel pump 671 a.

In the operation of exemplary embodiments, generally referring to FIGS.20-27, two fluid conduits such as 50 a,50 b (FIG. 1) may be releasablyinterconnected by deploying any of the disclosed emergency quickdisconnect systems such as system 601 (FIG. 2) onto a standard frachanger. First fluid conduit 50 a is connected to a first appropriateconnector, e.g. connector 120 (FIG. 2), 220 (FIG. 7), or 320 (FIG. 10).Pressure internal to either first fluid conduit 50 a or second fluidconduit 50 b or both is vented the prior to opening a valve such asvalve 344 (FIG. 10) to allow fluid flow within and between first fluidconduit 50 a and second fluid conduit 50 b. After venting, first fluidconduit 50 a is released from a remote location after venting, theremote location being one of a bridge and a boat deck.

In general, referring generally to FIGS. 20-21, a fluid conduitterminator such as described above is retrieved, e.g. using crane 504 asillustrated in FIGS. 22A and 22B at 1002-1003 and, optionally, storedtemporarily such as onto alignment pins 505 (FIG. 3). A disclosedemergency quick disconnect systems such as system 601 (FIG. 2) isretrieved e.g. using crane 504, and connected to a connector such asconnector 120 (FIG. 2). In certain embodiments, a floatation buoyassembly such as 60 (FIG. 14) may be installed as described herein aboveand as illustrated at FIG. 23 at 1004. The assembled components may thenbe lifted, e.g. using crane 504, and installed on a frac hanger such as510 (FIG. 2), e.g. by installing the assembly onto alignment pins 505(FIG. 3) as illustrated in FIGS. 24A and 24B at 1005 and 1006.

Referring generally to FIGS. 25-27, a valve as described herein isclosed as illustrated at 1100 (FIG. 25) and a terminator as describedherein is opened as illustrated at 1110 (FIG. 25). This can occur, forexample, by communicating with one of the two vessels 500 (FIG. 1) tostop pumping and relieve pressure as illustrated at 1140 (FIG. 26).

A drop away assembly such as 101 (FIG. 4) is then allowed to fall awayas illustrated at 1120 (FIG. 25) and a check valve as described hereincloses automatically due to lack of pressure as illustrated at 1130(FIG. 25). If attached, a floatation buoy assembly such as buoyancyapparatus 60 (FIG. 14) then maintains the drop away assembly at or neara water surface as illustrated at 1144 (FIG. 27).

In a second general method, two fluid conduits are interconnected bydeploying a well stimulation emergency quick disconnect system such asany of the emergency quick disconnect systems discussed above onto astandard frac hanger such as 510 (FIG. 2). First hydraulic hose 50 a isconnected to the well stimulation emergency quick disconnect system andsecond hydraulic hose 50 b to the well stimulation emergency quickdisconnect system. Internal pressure to fluid hydraulic hoses 50 a,50 bis vented prior to releasing an emergency quick disconnect system suchas system 100 (FIG. 2) and then at least one of first hydraulic hose 50a or second hydraulic hose 50 b is released from a remote location afterventing, often in less than 15 seconds.

In a third general method, two fluid conduits are interconnected bydeploying any of the well stimulation emergency quick disconnect systemsas described herein onto a standard frac hanger as described herein.First high-pressure hydraulic hose 50 a is connected to a firstappropriate connector on the well stimulation emergency quick disconnectsystem and second high-pressure hydraulic hose 50 b connected to asecond appropriate connector of the well stimulation emergency quickdisconnect system.

In any of the methods, and with any of the embodiments, once thehydraulic system is actuated, the valve is closed and the release isopened, the pressure line drops free, e.g. 50 b. If buoys 62 or 64 areused, once the connection is opened and line 50 b drops free, it is ableto be re-connected while still off-shore.

In a further embodiment, two fluid conduits, e.g basically show as hose50 (FIG. 1), may be interconnected by deploying a well stimulationemergency quick disconnect system, e.g. 601 (FIG. 2) onto hanger 510(FIG. 1) which may be a standard frac hanger; connecting first hydraulichose 50 a to well stimulation emergency quick disconnect system 601;connecting second hydraulic hose 50 b to well stimulation emergencyquick disconnect system 601; releasing at least one of first hydraulichose 50 a or second hydraulic hose 50 b by issuing a venting commandfrom a remote location after venting is completed; and re-connecting thereleased hose on-site, without having to return to the dock.

In a further embodiment, a well stimulation emergency quick disconnectsystem, e.g. 200 (FIG. 2), may be used for well-stimulation jobs inwhich two vessels such as 501 and 502 (FIG. 1) are “joined,” e.g. viariserless-intervention chemical supply line(s) such as fluid conduit 50.By way of example, two such vessels may be required to be connected viahigh-pressure flex hoses.

Referring additionally now to FIGS. 2-4 and 18, with respect to theembodiment exemplified in FIGS. 2-4, emergency disconnect system 100(FIG. 2) may be used to terminate a downstream fluid hose such as hose50 b with hose terminator 130 (FIG. 2) and temporarily stow theterminated fluid hose 50 b.

An emergency disconnect system such as emergency disconnect system 100,as described herein, is retrieved and connected to hose terminator 130(FIG. 2). In certain embodiments, hose terminator 130 may be retrieved,e.g. with crane 504 (FIG. 20), and temporarily stowing onto frac hanger510 (FIG. 2). An emergency disconnect system such as emergencydisconnect system 100 (FIG. 2) and its connected hose terminator 130 maybe positioned proximate frac hanger 510 and secured into frac hanger510. When a skid such as skid 602 (FIG. 18) is activated occurs, a valvesuch as valve 140 (FIG. 2) is closed and a connector such as connector120 (FIG. 2) is opened. A torque tool such as torque tool 123 (FIG. 3)may be used to open connector seal 153 (FIG. 4). Retraction fork 113(FIG. 2) is then retracted, allowing drop away assembly 101 (FIG. 4) tofall away. In embodiments, check valve 241 is allowed to closeautomatically due to lack of pressure. A flotation system, such as 62and 64 described herein above, may be attached to drop away assembly 101(FIG. 4).

In a further embodiment, with respect to the embodiment exemplified inFIGS. 5-7, downstream fluid hose 50 is terminated with hose terminator230 (FIG. 5) and terminated fluid hose 50 (FIG. 5) temporarily stowed.Additionally, hose terminator 230 may be retrieved, e.g. with crane 504(FIGS. 22A and/or 22B), and temporarily stowed onto frac hanger 510(FIG. 5). Emergency disconnect system 200, which is as described above,may be retrieved and connected to hose terminator 230. Once connected,emergency disconnect system 200 and its connected hose terminator 230and positioned proximate to and secured to frac hanger 510. As above, aflotation system such as buoy 62 may attached be to drop away assembly202 (FIG. 5). When activation occurs, valve 270 (FIG. 6) is closed andconnector 220 (FIG. 6) opened, allowing drop away assembly 202 (FIG. 6)to fall away. Check valve 240 (FIG. 6) is then allowed to closeautomatically due to lack of pressure.

In embodiments where connector 220 (FIG. 6) further comprises a drivescrew, opening connectors 231 a,231 b (FIG. 7) comprises rotating thedrive screw.

In a further embodiment, referring additionally to FIGS. 8-13 b and 19,with respect to the embodiment exemplified in FIGS. 8-13 b, downstreamfluid hose 50 is terminated with hose terminator 330 (FIG. 9) andterminated fluid hose 50 temporarily stowed. Emergency disconnect system300 (FIG. 8) may be retrieved where emergency disconnect system 300 isas described above and connected to hose terminator 330. As above, aflotation system such as buoy 62 may attached be to drop away assembly302 (FIG. 10). Additionally, hose terminator 330 may be retrieved, e.g.with crane 504 (FIGS. 22A and/or 22B), and temporarily stowed onto frachanger 510 (FIG. 8).

Emergency disconnect system 300 (FIG. 8) and its connected hoseterminator 330 (FIG. 8) are then positioned proximate and secured intofrac hanger 510 (FIG. 8). When activation of a skid such as skid 603(FIG. 19) occurs, valve 344 (FIG. 10) is closed and actuator 310 (FIG.10) retracted which pushes against bottom hub 360 (FIG. 10) using one ormore retraction pins 321 (FIG. 12). Drop away assembly 302 (FIG. 10) maythen be allowed to fall away and check valve 341 (FIG. 10) allowed toclose automatically due to lack of pressure.

In any of these methods, where one or more buoys 62 (FIG. 14) and/or 64(FIG. 15) are used, any of the emergency disconnect systems discussedabove may have floatation system 60 (FIG. 14) attached or buoys 64connected as described above.

With any of the emergency disconnect systems discussed above anemergency skid such as skids 601 (FIG. 17), 602 (FIG. 18), and 603 (FIG.19) may be connected to the emergency disconnect system. Although theoperation of skids 601 (FIG. 17), 602 (FIG. 18), and 603 (FIG. 19) havebeen described above, in general a skid embodiment such as emergencyskid 601 may be operated by connecting skid 601 to an emergencydisconnect system, where skid 601 is as described above. Accumulator 650may be pressurized with a hydraulic fluid and hydraulic fluid releasedfrom accumulators 650 when either valve 621 is opened or a signal issent to open solenoid valve 622. The signal to open solenoid valve 622may comprise sending an electronic triggering signal to solenoid valve622 such as by pressing a manual electronic switch.

Valve 621, which may comprise a ball valve, is then closed, e.g. a dropin pressure sensed after valve 621 is closed. Counter-balance valve 613is opened automatically after the sensed drop in pressure and theemergency disconnect system automatically opened.

Nitrogen tank 653 may be pressurized with a non-flammable fluid, e.g.nitrogen, to re-charge accumulators 650. As noted above, accumulator 650may comprise a plurality of accumulators arranged in parallel, inseries, or a combination thereof.

In embodiments described in FIGS. 2-4 and FIG. 18, opening of connector120 (FIG. 2) is sensed by counter-balance valves 625 and 642 and,substantially simultaneously, retraction fork 113 (FIG. 3) retracted byenergizing hydraulic line cutter 652 which then shears or otherwise cutsvalve hydraulic line 690. In these embodiments, automatically openingconnector 120 comprises sending hydraulic pressure to torque tool 120 toopen connector 120.

Additionally, Haskel pump 671 (FIG. 18) or 671 a (FIG. 19) may bedisposed proximate hydraulic skid 602 (FIG. 18) or 603 (FIG. 19) andplumbed with fluid conduit 694 in parallel to valve 620 to keep valve620 open. If a hydraulic skid comprises a Haskel pump, it may be plumbedin parallel to cylinder 651 and valve 620 to keep cylinder 651 extendedand valve 620 open by maintaining pressure on cylinder 651 and valve620. Opening connector 310 may be accomplished by sending hydraulicpressure to cylinder 651 to retract cylinder 651 and simultaneously sendpressure to a hydraulic line cutter 652 to shear or otherwise cut valvehydraulic hose 690.

It will be understood that various changes in the details, materials,and arrangements of the parts which have been described and illustratedabove in order to explain the nature of this invention may be made bythose skilled in the art without departing from the principle and scopeof the invention as recited in the appended claims.

We claim:
 1. An emergency quick disconnect system, comprising: a) a connector comprising a first fluid interface and a second fluid interface in fluid communication with the first fluid interface; b) a drop away assembly releasably connected to the connector, the drop away assembly comprising a valve disposed downstream with respect to the connector, the valve comprising: i) a third fluid interface in fluid communication with the second fluid interface; and ii) a fourth fluid interface in fluid communication with the third fluid interface, the fourth fluid interface configured to be in fluid communication with a fluid conduit, the valve configured to stop flow of a fluid in-between the third fluid interface and the fourth fluid interface; c) a connector interface disposed intermediate the connector and the drop away assembly, the connector interface configured to receive the connector into the connector interface, the connector interface configured to be removably accepted into a hanger and support the connector when the connector interface is received into the hanger; and d) a buoyancy apparatus connected to the connector, the buoyancy apparatus configured to remain connected to the drop away assembly, the buoyancy apparatus comprising a sufficient buoyancy to support the weight of the drop away assembly when the drop away assembly is disconnected from the connector.
 2. The emergency quick disconnect system of claim 1, further comprising a hose end connector connected to the valve, wherein the buoyancy apparatus is connected to the hose end connector.
 3. The emergency quick disconnect system of claim 2, wherein the buoyancy apparatus further comprises: a) a buoy rigging connected to the hose end connector; and b) a buoy connected to the buoy rigging.
 4. The emergency quick disconnect system of claim 1, wherein the buoy comprises a float.
 5. The emergency quick disconnect system of claim 4, wherein the float comprises a buoyant float comprising sufficient buoyancy to support the weight of the drop away assembly and the entire section of the hose to which it is connected.
 6. An emergency quick disconnect system, comprising: a) a connector comprising a first fluid interface and a second fluid interface in fluid communication with the first fluid interface; b) a drop away assembly releasably connected to the connector, the drop away assembly comprising a valve disposed downstream with respect to the connector, the valve comprising: i) a third fluid interface in fluid communication with the second fluid interface; and ii) a fourth fluid interface in fluid communication with the third fluid interface, the fourth fluid interface configured to be in fluid communication with a fluid conduit, the valve configured to stop flow of a fluid in-between the third fluid interface and the fourth fluid interface; c) a connector interface disposed intermediate the connector and the drop away assembly, the connector interface configured to receive the connector into the connector interface, the connector interface configured to be removably accepted into a hanger and support the connector when the connector interface is received into the hanger; and d) a buoy configured to be disposed about a fluid conduit connected to the drop away assembly, the buoy comprising sufficient buoyancy to support the weight of the drop away assembly and a fluid conduit section to which the drop away assembly is connected.
 7. The emergency quick disconnect system of claim 6, wherein the buoy comprises a plurality of buoys.
 8. The emergency quick disconnect system of claim 6, wherein the buoy comprises: a) a first buoy section configured to at least partially receive the fluid conduit within an inner portion of the first buoy section; and b) a second buoy section configured to at least partially receive the fluid conduit within an inner portion of the second buoy section, the second buoy section configured to cooperatively engage the first buoy section about the fluid conduit.
 9. The emergency quick disconnect system of claim 6, wherein the first buoy section is releasably fastened to the second buoy section using a fastener.
 10. A method of using an emergency disconnect system, comprising: a) terminating a downstream fluid hose with a hose terminator; b) temporarily stowing the terminated fluid hose; c) retrieving an emergency disconnect system, the emergency quick disconnect system, comprising: i) a connector comprising a first fluid interface and a second fluid interface in fluid communication with the first fluid interface; ii) a drop away assembly releasably connected to the connector, the drop away assembly comprising a valve disposed downstream with respect to the connector, the valve comprising: (1) a third fluid interface in fluid communication with the second fluid interface; and (2) a fourth fluid interface in fluid communication with the third fluid interface, the fourth fluid interface configured to be in fluid communication with a fluid conduit, the valve configured to stop flow of a fluid in-between the third fluid interface and the fourth fluid interface; iii) a connector interface disposed intermediate the connector and the drop away assembly, the connector interface configured to receive the connector into the connector interface, the connector interface configured to be removably accepted into a hanger and support the connector when the connector interface is received into the hanger; and iv) a buoyancy apparatus connected to the connector, the buoyancy apparatus configured to remain connected to the drop away assembly, the buoyancy apparatus comprising a sufficient buoyancy to support the weight of the drop away assembly when the drop away assembly is disconnected from the connector; d) connecting the emergency disconnect system to the hose terminator; e) positioning the emergency disconnect system and its connected hose terminator proximate a hanger; f) securing the emergency disconnect system and its connected hose terminator into the hanger; and g) when activated: i) closing the valve; ii) opening the connector; iii) allowing the drop away assembly to fall away; and iv) allowing the valve to close automatically due to lack of pressure.
 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising: a) retrieving a hose terminator with a crane; and b) temporarily stowing the terminator onto frac hanger pins. 